Church of the Saviour (First Unitarian Congregational), Brooklyn
This view of the First Unitarian Congregational Church, erected in 1844 on Pierrepont Street, near the corner of Monroe Place in Brooklyn Heights, presents a stately Gothic Revival building (surrounded by a grill fence). Five pedestrians walk on the sidewalk bordering the front and side of the building, which stands majestically outlined by the sky. The print --this impression colored in lovely pinkish tones to indicate the colors of the street, sidewalk and dark sandstone of the church-- was published shortly after the church was dedicated. Designed by Minard Lafever, the architect of several distinctive churches built in New York City from 1830 to 1850, was trained as a carpenter while he studied the rudiments of architecture. During his career, Lafever published practical instruction books for builders, in addition to designing actual buildings. While he helped to promote the Greek Revival architectural style, it was his splendid Gothic Revival churches in Brooklyn that brought him acclaim. The most outstanding example was the one depicted here dedicated as the Church of the Savior. The church building still exists today in active use by its religious community.
Artwork Details
- Title: Church of the Saviour (First Unitarian Congregational), Brooklyn
- Artist: Ezra Bisbee (American, born Sag Harbor, New York 1808, active 1820–56)
- Printer: G. & W. Endicott (New York, NY)
- Publisher: A. Spooner & Co. (Brooklyn, New York)
- Architect: Church designed by Minard Lafever (American, 1798–1854)
- Date: 1845
- Medium: Hand colored lithograph
- Dimensions: Image: 16 1/4 × 12 1/2 in. (41.3 × 31.8 cm)
Image, including ruled border: 16 15/16 × 13 3/8 in. (43 × 34 cm)
Sheet: 22 × 18 in. (55.9 × 45.7 cm) - Classification: Prints
- Credit Line: The Elisha Whittelsey Collection, The Elisha Whittelsey Fund, 1949
- Object Number: 49.3.8
- Curatorial Department: Drawings and Prints
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